I wish I included just a couple more words in this video. I said "replicating a photo" when I should have more thoroughly said, "replicating characteristics of a photo". I am not trying to say that the people searching for BTS information and asking about power levels are trying to copy other peoples photos exactly. I understand they are using the information in BTS and the results as a means of learning, to then improve their own photos.

4:30 I'm gonna start bringing out a tape measure and measure the distance between the subject and the flash just to spite you.😜

@robhallphoto

3 жыл бұрын

Bring a protractor to measure that feather angle too! Light A) 43" grand para, ad400 pro, 1/2 +.2 power, 117.5 cm away from subjects left eyelash, 19 degree feather Comment 1 : which eyelash? Comment 2 : what trigger did you use?

@fjhphoto

3 жыл бұрын

@@robhallphoto those are the questions I get in my nightmares.😭

@markwillride

3 жыл бұрын

Hey, I had your bts IG posts in mind when I replied above. I like seeing the power settings along with the model of flash. Since I can roughly see the distance and you post the aperture and ISO, I have idea how good that flash performs. I know you’re just poking fun at Rob though.

@northgevero2000

3 жыл бұрын

@@robhallphoto might as well even use the same model in the same place in the same location

"What was the power of your flash?" You know why people ask this question more than needed? It not that people are trying to copy the picture. People are asking this because influencers are selling lighting and camera gear!!! Influencers and KZreadrs are putting out videos every day about gear. There is an emphasis on flash power, quality, price, why influencers think this is great, etc. creating so much noise in the community that leads to questions like this. Influencers are creating hyperinflated interest in these products. So when people ask questions related to these products you shouldn't rant about the problem you are directly contributing to. @Robert, you even have videos that focus on the flash power, and other qualities, of the various Godox products. Now, I am not saying anything you are doing is "wrong" or "evil". It's quite informative at times and I personally do appreciate insight prior to market release. These videos are overall pretty good as long as the influencers are 100% honest and truthful in reporting and express their opinion responsibly. But consider that the rant about the flash settings is not coming from professionals. They more than likely coming from fans and hobbyists who do not understand photography like you. It's like asking school children to cook lunch in the kitchen and the school cook complaining when the kids ask questions about cooking. Kids in the photo industry are going to ask questions that seem obvious. Don't bit their heads off in a rant video. If you disagree, then try making your next Godox and Camera videos without the specs. Do not mention flash output, range, battery life, ISO, video specs, IBIS,, etc. Change the conversation and see what people ask about. Make your work the focus and not the gear. This is not solely directed at the author of this video, but to all of us, I included.

totally agree !! its useless ... anyways what settings did you use with your light in this video?

Finally, someone makes an intelligent argument for learning exposure, not just individual settings.

I appreciate this video and the fact that you didn’t come out of the gates swinging. We all start somewhere and being smacked over the head for not knowing something isn’t helpful. I think a handful of high and mighty photographers forgot where they started. As always, I appreciate your videos!

THANK YOU! So tired of people asking, "What sEtTinGs dId yOu uSE?" It is the unfortunate consequence of this "COPY CULTURE" that many of you KZread Photographers have created......no matter how much information you try to provide, in order to help "educate" more "photographers".....the more of these "photographers" will want to know the "MOLECULAR STRUCTURE" of what you did.....so they can "COPY ART" and somehow receive the same attention ("LIKES"). Many of these "photographers" are just "COPY MACHINES".....instead of actual ARTIST.

One of the most practical videos on photography on youtube.. Thanks for another lovley, thought provoking video Rob :).

Great video, Rob! Many lesser experienced photographers needed to hear this. All of this. Lol

😁GREAT topic, and video!! We LOVE this type of video as well (now that we're not as new, lol😁). You, sir, are STILL the man

Very informative ! Thanks for the video.

Nice touch with the mellow beat in the background while you ... eh ... exorcise those demons you're feeling. Very helpful, thanks!

@robhallphoto

3 жыл бұрын

haha, if I put music that accurately portrayed the mood, it would probably fall under similar scrutiny as Christopher Nolan.

When I teach flash photography I say this in a very concise way: photography is simply not about the mastery of the quantity of light, but of the quality of light. And in other words: that camera your holding is only able to record light in varying quantities. That's it. Full stop. But to control the quality of light something has to happen outside of the camera. Anyway, thought I'd share that. I like the new background, Rob 🙌

Loved this!

Robert you seem like a nice person, God bless thanks for all the work on youtube

I will say--- it is really useful to know lens choice, aperture, and film stock (is applicable) when trying to evaluate vintage gear to buy. Glass, especially vintage lenses often have pretty unique highlight and bokeh rendering. Film stocks (and metering info) can change color/contrast results significantly. For modern gear though, the differences are all pretty minor and that's before you even consider the creative decisions made, like you pointed out in the video. Decision process> equipment any day

Agree with everything you said when speaking of Speedlights that are used outdoors. When speaking of studio type units used indoors oriole often follow the more powerful ( and expensive) the better and when someone hears the photo was done with the most expensive unit they don't know it was done in a large studio at 1/32 power vs their small home studio ( spare bedroom) and could save a lot by getting an appropriate sized less powerful unit.

What brand ND did you use in this video?

When I see photogs tag their photos and include the model of flash and it’s power setting, I’m looking at the number to see how much of that model’s power was needed to do the job. Was it at max capacity or did it easily do its job with room to spare? I was very appreciative of your comparison of various popular models and modifiers. I have an Xplor 600 partially because of that video. It’s nice having a little wiggle room in lower compared to working with a speed light.

I was just thinking this. I hate when photogs ask me what my settings are when I'm out doing event photography. We all have diff equipment and I'm constantly changing my settings. Learn how to shoot!

@mikezupancic2182

3 жыл бұрын

People don't want to recreate your work, they're trying to figure out if they need to do something different than they are. You know, many people actually want to learn and try new stuff.

@robhallphoto

3 жыл бұрын

You seem adamant on justifying this take, but you're wrong in assuming that nobody is trying to recreate work. I've watched many portrait amateurs fall into one clearly defined process of photography. HSS, sky background -.7 EV, sunlight as rim light, telephoto prime (85mm-135mm) widest aperture available, single Octabox (30-40"), rembrandt lighting position. Why? They are recreating, as much as possible, a style that has had massive influence due to Francisco, Eli, Keydrin, and others sharing, in great detail, how to accomplish it. @godoxusergroup is tagged in dozens of examples per day and the recipe has permeated flash portrait photography. It's clear as day when someone doesn't take their own path to get to these results because they often show little deviation from the examples they are following. It's only learning and trying something new the first couple times. And with all that, my point still stands, the power level is irrelevant, and if learning is the goal there are better questions to be asked.

@mikezupancic2182

3 жыл бұрын

@@robhallphoto There is a difference between recreating a style and recreating actual work. As far as "amateur photographers" falling into to a certain process, it is what they like and most likely what their clients like. We were both at WPPI in Vegas this year. Tell me, how many of the speakers up there actually presented something completely groundbreaking? Not a one, and yet there were hundred upon hundreds sitting there getting ideas and inspiration, soaking up the various slides shown. For example, with Senior portraits you literally see nearly every photog on facebook with the same stuff, over and over and over. Shawn Lee however gave an amazing presentation on interacting with the kids and getting realistic shots. Nothing new really, but I am sure it gave a ton of people ideas to try and expand their creativity. Same holds true with lighting. If I can get close to recreating something then I can add my personal touches based on MY style.

@ArtKingjr

3 жыл бұрын

@@mikezupancic2182 The folks I'm speaking of definitely trying to recreate my work. Which I dont have an issue with. Try as you may. But its another factor. Laziness. I know people that call themselves photographers but dont want to learn photography. They ask what you have so they can go buy, but their photos still look like crap. I usually dont take issue with helping but these same folks will try and steal a job from you. Least thats been my experience. Folks want to know the how without learning the how come. Which to me is more important.

@robhallphoto

3 жыл бұрын

We may have both been at WPPI but I couldn't tell you what people presented because I didn't attend a single class, and haven't for years. Why? The education for the most part is entry level to appease the largest portion of attendees, beginner/novice. I think you're taking my discussion of "making the same image" more literally than I intended, which could be my mistake for not clarifying. Although it seems it was clear to most. Obviously most people aren't trying to rip off an exact image in the world of portraits. That would get into trying to find the same vignette, copy styling, etc. But they are very much trying to get as much info as possible to apply it to their own images. And I have no issue with this process and support it by sharing here. But when it comes to power outputs, it doesn't translate, and can lead one astray. All the while more value is being left on the table.

There was no gear in the title so the folks who should see this probably will not 😄. That said, I absolutely agree with your points in this video and the next person who ask me about light output power or camera settings I am to be pointing them to this video. Well done... best video I have seen in a while.

Excellent Post! I totally agree and I am quite shocked how FB OCF groups have “rules” on requiring posting of useless information.

Bravo!

You brought up one of my biggest pet peeves in this area. ISO 100 (or 200, 400, 800, etc.) should be the same across all cameras, such that the same amount of light that gets through the lens (taking into consideration T-stops) produces the same brightness value in the output file.

Totally true 👍

Rob I was so Close... I guessed 34 inches away 😎 Nice video well explained. Best wishes Ricky

What background are you using?

I'm so glad this video exists. I'm so tired "do you remember the flash power?" on pics. I'm sorry but it's a dumb question.

Flash distance is always something I want to know, nut just hardness, but shadow fall off. true no one tracks this to share with others, however, in my production studio, all that is recorded because we do a lot of cookie cutter shoots. and we have to match lighting, angles, etc... example: we shoot a catalog image today, then again in 3 months with the same model, they better look the same height lol - for use to do that, we have tape marks on floor for positions of camera, model, lights, stands etc. also camera height marks as well.

Fair points

Hello Robert. Thank you for these videos you are making. I have a question regarding Godox flashes. Is it possible to show the power in steps like 3.5, 5.9 etc.. instead of 1/1, 1/128, 1/64 etc Thank you

@robhallphoto

3 жыл бұрын

No, there is no integer power value on most of the Godox lighting.

@skiiizo

3 жыл бұрын

@@robhallphoto thank you Robert

So true. I can pick use my D750 and my D5200 in the studio with the exact same settings with a 50mm lens and the settings will be different though the settings are all the same. So many wee variables.

So .. about that power .. Is it possible to use AD600Pro in studio with diffused huge octa softbox 180-200cm with f5.6 and ISO100/200 when model is 4-5m away from lamp? Does it have enough power? Or should I go with something with more power like 800Ws or 1200Ws?

This reminds me of an encounter I had with an older photographer-couple. We were on Turtle Island in Borneo. It’s a conservation project for sea turtles. Turtles will arrive and lay eggs, which are collected and cared for till hatched, and are then released into the ocean. As the turtles arrive randomly during the night, there’s some waiting around the central hub on the island. Which is artificially lit, which is when I first meet this couple. They were both in to photography and we started talking photography. I was still very new to the hobby. They’d been doing it for decades though and had gone all over the globe doing wildlife. So yeah, obviously they had to be awesome. Then suddenly, they asked me about my settings on my camera. I got a bit confused, but I assumed they asked me if I use manual or automatic mode. I use a variety of settings; I explained my reasoning why and when I’d use certain modes. And they seemed bewildered with my answer. And then they followed up with, “OK but what aperture/ISO do you have it set to?” I had a newer full-frame from Canon at that time, whereas they had far older, APS-C Canons. Obviously, we didn’t have the same lenses either. Pointless. Then their travel guide joined and asked if they needed help with their settings, which they did. He was then trying to fix their settings but, not only were they doing it where there was a lot of light, but the guide didn’t know the camera very well. I tried to tell them where the setting he was looking for were, I had the settings page they were looking for up on my camera to show him/them. But he didn’t need my help. Then, after several minutes the guide was done. The guide then then turned towards me and asked, “Do you need help with your settings too?” How do you even respond to that? I said no thanks, I’ll fix it once we get there… Basically, in one evening, in one couple, I got the honour to experience the stereotypical old-timer photographer who’s so awesome because they’ve been doing photography for so long. And who asks someone of their settings so they can copy. Despite differences in gear being as vast as possible. And who are doing these settings in the wrong location. And then being unable to even change the basic settings themselves. Crazy. Looking back at it, maybe they hadn’t been everywhere they claimed. I mean, how clueless can you be after all that time/experience? Ironically enough, a few days later I met another who was into wildlife photography as well but who was very humble and kind of insecure. And of course, her images were great. She’d taken courses; she knew the tech and the art and had been doing it for a couple of years or so.

Totally agree 💯

Repetition of the same questions made you pop off! Especially, irrelevant questions! Felix Kunze in his instruction always says "I could tell you what the settings are, but it doesn't matter." Pick a a power output and adjust it until it looks good. Rober, I used to get hired to come in and finish a job that someone else had started, and adapt their same style in the shoot...the hardest thing to do is replicate a photo. In the olden days of Polaroid, the client would say "what if we did this..." and a lot of changes would be made and eventually they would say let's just do what we did in the beginning. EVEN THAT was hard to do with the exact same set up!! Keep preaching brother...

Bravo sir 👍

And yes, it's just like when people ask "what were your camera settings", asking WHY and not HOW is probably more helpful.

Clear! But the main question on many starting flash photographers is what flash mono block they should buy. What is a strobe doing with 125 or 500 watt/s?

@robhallphoto

3 жыл бұрын

I agree. That's the hardest question for me to answer because they often want a simple answer for what's the best light at a given budget. And then I have to tell them "it depends". And it unfortunately depends on preferences they have yet to establish because they haven't worked with flash gear yet. So they don't know if 5s recycle at full power is fine, or if they want 1s recycle. They don't know if they'll be bothered managing the weight of a 600w/s strobe during their sessions. They don't know if they need color stability, or TTL. They don't know if they can get by with 200w/s. It's like trying to buy a car and you don't know whether you need amazing MPG or to tow a 26 foot boat uphill. It's even more difficult to explain that the primary decision, of 125 or 500 w/s, isn't even an equivalent comparison between their options. 500 broncolor siros w/s is very far from 500 Profoto B1 w/s. This is why people stay natural light photographers 🤣

So Rob, in your lighting setup for this video, what went into choosing the position of your key light? :) 7:12

@robhallphoto

3 жыл бұрын

My bald head guides a majority of my video lighting decisions

This video should be uploaded frequently also :D

As a newer photographer, I have asked these kinds of questions in the past. I think you're misunderstanding something. In my interactions with newer photographers, they seem to ask these questions to validate or augment their own knowledge. When I got serious about learning photography, I asked these questions not to imitate the person I was watching on YT. I asked these these kinds of questions just to know if I was in the ballpark or at least headed the right direction. I don't see any reason for a pro photographer to be upset viewers are asking these "annoying" questions. They view "you" as an authority. They are just looking for some guidance.

Someone, finally, said it....

I have asked when people are using a flash that are several stops more powerful than what I have available, to see if it at all is possible for me to do this with what I have available (say you've been using an AD600 and all I have available is an AD200, but I have the same softbox. If you were on 1/1, I can pretty much forget replicating the style, and is better off just trying something else, even if I love the style). But in principle I agree.

Truth!

What was the light you used on this video? (🤣 Kidding)

Sadly the people who need to hear this are probably not going to see this video.

"The darker the photo the more flash power you need. The less darker the less power you need." These are the reasons I found out why most people are asking about flash power. Because it was not stress enough on most KZread videos.

I just look at other photos for inspiration. Why worry about copying something exactly? Make it your own!

I would ask because I'm curious about the settings, not that I would want to replicate a photo.

Just tell them the flash power Robert LOL

Setting info in general is irrelevant because more often than not we don't see all the info. just too many variables and no way folk are going to measurebate a setup just for BTS shots or info.

Anyways... Thumbnail is great

They are not trying to learn about flash power or the exposure triangle, just what it took to make that image.

Might as well ask how many clouds were in the sky in a natural light image. Then again, you'd probably have to know the type, altitude, color, etc. If someone takes an image and likes the light, they have the right settings. If they don't like the lighting, change the settings. Trust your eye people.

only thing I can say about the video is 👍👍👍👏👏👏

@robhallphoto

3 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear it connected well, thank you!

99% of the people you are “referring” to, dose still not understand this🤦🏽

I see a Lamborghini, I want to know the cost, not because I am gonna buy one, I just wanna know! They simply want to know all the ingredients of that particular image. Not necessary to replicate the exact results!

Too many gearheads out there

Which flash will overpower the sun? hehe

@robhallphoto

3 жыл бұрын

😑 😑 😑

@tekoppentekoppen761

3 жыл бұрын

None.

Use constant lighting, and figure it out for yourself real time. There's really no need for old-fashioned strobes anymore.

@robhallphoto

3 жыл бұрын

That logic largely fails as soon as you step outdoors.

🤣🤣🤣 the difference between and amateur and the next level 😉

I understand the intent behind your video but I don't think it's fair to call the other questions unhelpful. By asking simple questions such as flash power it gives you a ball park for what you might need if you have similar goals in terms of setting and outcome. I don't think many people expect to get a good BTS and then walk outside and replicate it exactly. But when you take note of hundreds and hundreds of BTS details you begin to getter a better feel for what someone might need. This of course needs to be in addition to all the other points that you make at the end of the video. TL;DR All the information is relevant at some level. People just need to manage their expectations instead of thinking that the gear makes the photographer.

Awesome video as always. The folks at Sekonic are going to be surprised to learn that the variance between cameras and lenses make their products useless. I don’t recall a way to enter your camera’s specific ISO sensitivity and lens T-stop into a light meter.

@MikeWeeks

3 жыл бұрын

then look at the Sekonic 858 as you can tune it to a number of camera/lens combos

@billmastorakis2137

3 жыл бұрын

@@MikeWeeks so we toss all but the 585 and buy only the camera / lens combos it has in its data base.

@MikeWeeks

3 жыл бұрын

@@billmastorakis2137 no it has nothing in a database, you have to create a manual calibration for whatever you use which is then stored as one of the 858s profiles which you can recall as you need thus ensuring perfect calibration to your own equipment

Maybe instead of keep saying people they can't, it would be helpful to show how they could do it !

How much flashpower is it? Like your dad. In your mom.

Robert, you make great points but I strongly disagree with you. I have been learning a lot by trying to mimic setups. Every information is useful. The setups provided me a starting ground, the rest is trial/errors and experience.

@Damfotografia

3 жыл бұрын

In this case you’re using it to study, learn and practice. It’s different than replicate the setup and go straight to your work and apply it with your client without thinking what you’re doing.

@robhallphoto

3 жыл бұрын

Light powers still aren't relevant to your discovery/practice through re-creating. Replicating light positions and modifiers, challenging yourself to balance the lights based on the scenario you are in, is absolutely useful. When you don't have the light power it's even better, as you are forced to determine an appropriate output yourself. And along that way, one determines their own preferences which is helpful for developing a unique style as well as workflow systems. Thats why I share BTS and include specific modifier details, because those things ARE important. The power level is not.

@colinjudge1261

3 жыл бұрын

While it is still a great learning exercise to attempt to replicate other people’s photos or setups, Robert is spot on in this video. Flash output is almost always irrelevant to the look of an image. Lighting ratios would be useful to know, but not the power setting of an individual light. The only circumstance I can think of when power level might be worth knowing is for high speed photography, as the flash will have different durations at different power levels. But even then, the exact power would not be applicable to you unless you have the exact same model of flash yourself.

@BMWDriver1992

3 жыл бұрын

Using a light meter takes a lot of the guessing work out of the equation. It makes you more efficient and helps you take better decisions and helps in setting up your lights.

The only part I liked was "I don't intend to do videos like this too often..." Definitively not your best tutorial, Robert. But thanks anyway. Happy and safe Thanks Giving.

Godox flash light not good

@fjhphoto

3 жыл бұрын

Link your portfolio. I wanna see.😊

@robhallphoto

3 жыл бұрын

Comment is not good.

@tekoppentekoppen761

3 жыл бұрын

Like your childhood.

This is nothing more than a rant not based in anything but being tired of seeing the same question. People aren't looking to recreate exactly, they want a starting point and to help them figure out what flash to buy based on their desires.